Massive 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks New Zealand's South Island

Photos: @thomasmead/@thenelsongrocer

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake has jolted New Zealand's south island, killing two people and triggering a tsunami warning.

The quake hit Culverden in North Canterbury just after midnight local time at a depth of 15km.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management have since downgraded the tsunami warning, but people living on low-lying areas on the eastern coast on the south island are being urged to get to higher ground immediately and stay out of the water.

More than 50 aftershocks have been felt since the initial quake on both islands, the biggest a 6.2 magnitude shake about 15km north of Kaikoura. Minor shakes have been felt as far north as Auckland.

There's reports of infrastructure and building damage stretching from Wellington down to Christchurch, but the full extent is still unknown.

The national crisis management centre had been activated but a national state of emergency had not been declared.

People on the East Coast should move to higher ground - rest of NZ stay off beaches and away from the water. #eqnz